Tagged: Maggie Modena

You may have caught my post last Friday sharing the exciting news that handbag designer Maggie of Maggie Modena is expanding her line into fashionable and functional backpacks for dogs. Her Kickstarter Campaign is so close to being fully funded, but she still needs a few more donations to reach her goal by December 10th.

So, in case you need a little more incentive to donate to this stylish and adorable project, I’ve got some feedback straight from the source. Maggie’s dog backpacks are already being enjoyed by pups around the world! Here’s what some Pups Who Pack have to say about their Maggie Modena bags!

AOC BLOG GIRL: As someone who has used the backpack, what’s your favorite part about it?

WALTER: That Mom lets me pack it myself, therefore ensuring I get extra cheddar. Oh, and the leash attachment and adjustable straps (I make ’em longer for my barrel chest.)

TINKER & TANK: There’s so many things to love about it, but our favorite is the fact that it’s also a harness. It’s so convenient to not have to worry about putting on two separate items to go on walks! And it fits great!

BUBBA: I never forget anything anymore.

OBI: I love that it’s not only super cute but also actually functional!

Whether you’re a dog lover, a fashion fanatic, a fellow designer, an artistic soul, or someone with a passion to support the entrepreneurial spirit, please take this challenge: donate at least $1 to the Maggie Modena Dog Pack Kickstarter Campaign. Every dollar counts, and the more backers, the better!

If you’re still not sure if you’re ready to contribute, be sure to check out my Q&A with Maggie herself to learn more about the creative process that went into designing these accessories for (wo)man’s best friend.

Handbag designer Maggie of Maggie Modena is expanding her line into fashionable and functional accessories for (wo)man’s best friend.

PomPom the Pomeranian

Maggie isn’t just a designer, she’s a multifaceted artist who uses a variety of mediums. The brand was born out of her DJ alter ego, Maggie Modena. Like many creatives, Maggie has always been a little shy and introverted, and the persona of Maggie Modena reminds her to be bolder on a daily basis. She incorporates this same spirit into each of her creations, inspiring those women (or dogs) who wear them to live boldly.

Rhea the Pug

I was fortunate to connect with Maggie during my time in Madison, WI, and I’m thrilled to support her latest project, a Kickstarter Campaign for her new line of backpacks for dogs. We sat down over Google+ Hangouts so that I could learn more about the creative process that went into this exciting (and freaking adorable) product.

AOC BLOG GIRL: Describe the creative process that went into conceptualizing the Maggie Modena dog packs.

MAGGIE: Well, about 6 months ago, I decided to make backpacks for my dogs as a break from “serious” fashion. I then realized that I could add a clip on the back, and it would be the same as a harness, only now you can bring items along on your walk. I tested out the sample and brought my dogs, Rhea and Toad, around the capitol square and got a lot of fun reactions. I knew I needed to pursue it after that, at the very least because it made the work crowd smile. I then adjusted the prototype 3-4 times until I felt that its function was what I wanted it to be and that it fit a range of sizes of dogs. It’s kind of mind blowing how much work a small dog bag is!

AOC BLOG GIRL: What’s the design process that goes into creating the mixed-media textiles for the packs?

MAGGIE: I usually start by gathering a range of inspirational pictures (mostly ones that I’ve taken but some from magazines, online, etc.) and textures from all over the place. From there, I gather them all into one space, determine what the overarching theme seems to be, and pick a story. I then do a couple drawings and paintings that fit within the theme. Next, I scan them into the computer, manipulate and layer them in Photoshop, and make them into a repeat. I usually print several rounds of swatches until I think that the collection looks cohesive yet different enough and that I have at least one “neutral,” one “beautiful,” and one “bold/loud” print. Typically, I have 3 prints per season, but for the dog packs, I have 4!

MAGGIE: The unique textiles are definitely the most special quality. Each textile is exclusive to the brand and won’t be seen anywhere else. I try and make them wearable yet fun.

Whether you’re a dog lover, a fashion fanatic, a fellow designer, an artistic soul, or someone with a passion to support the entrepreneurial spirit, please take this challenge: donate at least $1 to the Maggie Modena Dog Pack Kickstarter Campaign. Every dollar counts, and the more backers, the better!

Plus, if you’re ready and able to donate $5 or more, there are awesome gift incentives at each donation level, including a limited quantity of early bird dog packs and human packs that will be shipping in time for the holiday season.

COMING NEXT: Exclusive Interviews with Pups who Pack!

If you’re still not sure if you’re ready to contribute, don’t take my word for it, don’t take Maggie’s word for it – wait to hear what some Insta-famous Pups who Pack have to say about their Maggie Modena Dog Packs in Part II of this post! Stay tuned!